What this lesson teaches
I can explain how religion shapes people's identities and adds to diversity in society.
Syllabus K336, Issue 2, Guiding Question 1. Religion
Make a guess
Two classmates are both Christian. One prays every day; the other goes to church now and then. What do you think this shows?
- People of the same religion can practise it differently.
- The one who goes to church less has a weaker religious identity.
- Their religion is the most important part of each one's identity.
Show the answer
People of the same religion can practise it differently.
Religious affiliation does not tell you everything a person believes, or how often they take part.
Religion can shape people's beliefs, values, daily habits and sense of belonging. People of the same religion can practise it differently.
A religion is a set of beliefs, teachings and practices that help people understand life and its meaning. Many religions involve belief in a god or gods, but not every religious tradition fits that description. Singapore has many religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism and Hinduism.
Religious teachings can guide how people behave, worship, eat, celebrate festivals and serve others. Taking part builds friendships and a sense of belonging. Different religions add to diversity, while people of different religions can also share values, such as kindness, and activities.
Religious affiliation means identifying with a religion. It does not tell you everything a person believes, or how often they take part. Some people have no religion and draw their values from family, reflection or other beliefs. Neither having a religion nor having none decides someone's character.
- Religion
- Beliefs, teachings and practices about life and meaning.
- Ways it shapes identity
- Values, daily habits, festivals, community.
- Remember
- People of the same religion practise it differently.
Real examples to use
Religious diversity
A 2014 Pew Research Center study ranked Singapore the most religiously diverse country in the world. The Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (1990) helps keep religion and politics separate.
Worked example: Two Christians, two ways of practising
Eli and June are both Christians. Eli prays daily and goes to church every week. June attends occasionally and says her faith mainly guides how she treats people at work.
- Both share a religious identity.
- They practise it in different ways.
- So religion shapes each person's identity differently.
- This does not tell us who is a better person or predict all their choices. To explain an action, look at the person's own reasons.
Watch out for this
People without a religion have no values, and everyone in one religion thinks the same.
People without a religion have values too, and people within one religion hold different views and practices.
Check your understanding
Why might joining a church youth group strengthen a teenager's sense of belonging?
- It gives her regular contact with people who share her beliefs and values.
- It replaces her family as the main influence on her values.
- It makes her national identity weaker than her religious one over the years.
Show the answer
It gives her regular contact with people who share her beliefs and values.
Right. Shared beliefs, values and regular activities help people feel they belong to a group.